Lexus continues to believe that hybrid technology is superior to diesel power for its cars. This is the third generation of its RX sports utility vehicle and the second to be offered with a hybrid powertrain. In fact, the hybrid version is now the only RX offered in the UK, in a market dominated by large diesel engines.

The hybrid is the only RX offered in the UK, in a market dominated by large diesel engines

Lexus’s persistence with the petrol/electric technology is driven by fewer particulate emissions and a smoother powertrain compared with diesel rivals. But if the headline figures for the new RX450h are anything to go by, class-leading CO2 emissions are on the cards too. This new RX450h has recorded 44.8mpg on the official European combined cycle, which makes its taxable carbon dioxide emissions figure just 145g/km. That’s not only substantially less than the latest Range Rover Sport TDV6, but also less than some superminis. That means it is eligible for a cheap tax disc and a low benefit-in-kind rating.

Ken Livingstone is not going to like Lexus’ new RX400h hybrid one bit. The London mayor’s campaign to eradicate off-roaders from the capital is based on the premise that they belch CO2 emissions and imbibe unleaded like there’s no tomorrow